A New Chapter.

I lie awake in bed tonight unable to fall asleep. I feel an intense rush of emotion knowing that tomorrow I will be back on the other side of the Atlantic having finished my stint in London pursuing my master’s. It’s really bittersweet to be honest.

I always thought this day would be a lot farther than it would be. I still remember the first week I landed in London, how much doubt I carried about myself and my choice to move so far from my family and loved ones. How insecure I was to have to meet new people and navigate such a huge city on my own. I was scared and homesick to no end. Without the encouragement, support, and motivation of my sister, parents, and boyfriend I don’t know how I would have managed those first few days and weeks.

I have met some of the coolest most intelligent group of people I have ever met from brilliant doctors and dentists to bright and quirky lawyers, philosophers, and scientists. I have been challenged in ways I had never thought to be challenged. From improving my abilities to dicipher heavy philosophical and ethical papers to becoming a stronger and more coherent writer. I can now say I know what it’s like to fail and then to fight and push forward to get merits and distinctions on my coursework. I’m grateful for the friends I made along the way and the life-long connections those friendships will carry. The visits I had not only with my parents when they dropped me off back in September, but also the adventures with my sister and boyfriend exploring this beautiful city. To the architecture of all the building and history this city holds. I am constantly in awe over many of the building and bridges I have come across along my travels. How can I forget the tube? Even though rush hour drove me mad sometimes, the frequency and number of stops will never compare to back home. Miss a tube? No problem, next one is 1-2 minutes away during rush hour. Need to get somewhere in central London? Oh look, there’s three stops you can choose from to get to your destination.

I can’t forget to thank some of the most important people in my life. First off, my parents for not only encouraging me to pursue my dreams but being the most supportive parents in helping me make my dreams become a reality. I know this was just as hard on them not only emotionally but financially as well. I am eternally grateful for sacrifices they have made for me in helping me get to where I am today. I hope I can continue to make them proud as I pursue my nursing degree and continue to grow as an individual and help make their retirement dreams a reality. Next up would be my sister. I am so blessed to have a sister who has constantly been there to support me and keep me company when I was so alone, stressed, and homesick. If there’s one person I can count on to get advice from it would be my sister. The one person who isn’t afraid to tell the truth or give advice, who sticks up for me when I’m not strong enough to do it myself, and the most hardworking person I know. I’m so happy that her dreams have become a reality and she continues to prove the thought that hardwork pays off in the end. Osgoode Hall Law School has gained an incredible student and I’m so excited to be there for her as she navigates her next chapter. My grandparents and uncle for not only their emotional support but also financial support to allow me to get to the position I am without having to bury myself in loans. I’m so happy they believed in me and my capabilities in allowing me to pursue such a challenging degree. Lastly, my boyfriend. I know things haven’t always been easy doing the whole long-distance thing. Heck, I was scared and lonely too. I’m so grateful to have had someone like him by my side. The first few weeks when I doubted myself and wanted to go home, his words helped push me through. I know things arent always peachy with two often stressed, confused, and tired students but I’m so grateful for the challenges we have overcome together and the laughs and memories continue to make. I don’t know what I would have done without our long FaceTime chats, quirky texts, and funny snapchats keeping me sane. It makes me happy to know that I not only have an awesome boyfriend, but also a best friend who has seen and picked me up from my worst and to help pick me back up. I know this is something only he would understand, but if he’s reading this I’m so grateful that you changed your mind that night way back when. So thankful for these people and more. Without the encouragement of my friends back home, I’d be one sad and lonely person. I can’t wait to come home and catch up with those I hadn’t had the chance to on my visits home and catch up on all of their worldly and exciting adventures.

It’s going to be hard to know that I won’t be coming back to this beautiful city and it makes me teary eyed thinking about it. I’m so grateful for the opportunity I was given to have not only studied at a top tiered institution but to also call it my second home for the past 10 months.

It must have been a sign from the universe yesterday to bring me a thunder and lightening storm during the night. My favourite type of weather in one of my favourite cities.